Self-Powered Electronic Vaporizer

ABSTRACT

A self-powered electronic vaporizer for use as an electronic cigarette or medical device to deliver inhalable substances including, but not limited to, medicaments, nicotine, flavored solutions, and the like. The device comprises an energy generation component and an atomizer component. The energy generation component houses a turbine and generator mechanism to power a heating means to vaporize a substance contained within a sealed chamber of the atomizer for a user to inhale for medical, habitual, or recreational use.

This invention is directed to a self-powered electronic vaporizer for delivering an inhalable medicament or other substance for medical or personal use.

Electronic vaporizers can be used for electronic cigarettes or medical devices to deliver inhalable medications. Such devices allow a user to inhale a liquid that can be vaporized to satisfy a wide variety of personal needs and desires that may be medical or habitual. Prior art forms of personal vaporizers are electrically powered by batteries, both alkaline and lithium rechargeable.

Along with the battery, the electronic vaporizers also include a cartridge containing the desired substance to be vaporized and an atomizer where the substance is vaporized for inhalation with a heating element. Oftentimes, the cartridge and the atomizer are manufactured as a single component known as a “cartomizer” that incorporates both functions.

Prior art cartomizers or cartridges typically comprise a chamber holding a liquid soaked in a batting type material. The liquid, also known as an e liquid or e-juice, is wicked from the chamber and contacted with a heating element to vaporize the liquid.

A downside of prior art electronic vaporizers is the need to charge or replace the batteries. Remembering to charge the device, locating an outlet for charging, carrying the charger, or carrying additional batteries can be quite inconvenient to a user. There may be situations where charging the device proves difficult or dangerous such as when driving a car. Thus, there is a need for a self powered electronic vaporizer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to, in a first embodiment, a self powered electronic vaporizer comprising an energy generation component having a first end open to air flow there through; an atomizer component comprising an elongated hollow body having a mouthpiece at a first end and a coupling means for the energy generation component at a second end; a sealed chamber within the atomizer component for storing a liquid to be vaporized; an atomization bowl within the atomizer component having one or more openings in fluid communication with the sealed chamber, the atomization bowl having a portion thereof open to the mouthpiece of the atomizer component; a wicking material threaded through the one or more openings of the atomization bowl wherein the wicking material is in contact with the liquid to be vaporized within the sealed chamber; and a heating means contained within the atomization bowl, the heating means in electrical communication with the energy generation component to provide sufficient voltage to the heating means to vaporize the liquid wicked from the sealed chamber, wherein a user inhales through the mouthpiece of the atomizer component to initiate the energy generation component thereby activating the heating means to vaporize the liquid wicked from the sealed chamber creating a vapor in the atomization bowl such that the user may inhale such vapor.

Preferably, the energy generation component of the self-powered electronic vaporizer may further comprise a turbine comprising a single fan, for example, a helical impeller fan; or a series of two or more fans, for example, three fans. Fan, as used in this embodiment is an instrument by which blades, vanes or receptors rotate upon air flow current coming in contact with the instrument and axially transfers the rotational movement into energy via the electrical generation device.

Preferably, the liquid to be vaporized comprises a medicaments, nicotine, cannabis or flavored solution.

Preferably, the atomization bowl has two or more holes in fluid communication with the sealed chamber. Preferably, the wicking material comprises a corded material, which may also comprise multi-length corded material. In a preferred embodiment, the wicking material comprises silica.

Preferably the heating means comprises a metal coil, metal tape, or metal mesh, wrapped around the wicking material within the atomization bowl, the heating means in electrical communication with the energy generation component.

The present invention is also directed to a self-powered electronic cigarette comprising an energy generation component comprising a turbine and generator; an atomizer component comprising an elongated hollow body having a mouthpiece at a first end and a coupling means for the energy generation component at a second end wherein air can flow from the mouthpiece through the energy generation component; a sealed chamber within the atomizer component for storing a nicotine solution; an atomization bowl within the atomizer component having two or more openings in fluid communication with sealed chamber, the atomization bowl having a portion thereof open to the mouthpiece of the atomizer component; a wicking material threaded through the two or more openings of the atomization bowl wherein the wicking material is in contact with the nicotine solution; and a heating element powered by the generator in the energy generation component to vaporize the nicotine solution wicked into the atomization bowl, wherein a user inhales through the mouthpiece of the atomizer component to initiate the generator activating the heating means to vaporize the nicotine solution wicked from the sealed chamber creating a vapor in the atomization bowl such that a user may inhale such nicotine vapors.

Preferably, the energy generation component of the self-powered electronic cigarette further comprises a turbine comprising a single fan, for example, a helical impeller fan; or a series of two or more fans, for example, three fans. Preferably, the self-powered electronic cigarette may further include an air intake diffusion cap situated at the first end of the energy generation component. Preferably, the self-powered electronic cigarette may further include a filter between the atomization bowl and the energy generation component.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features of the invention believed to be novel and the elements characteristic of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The figures are for illustration purposes only and are not drawn to scale. The invention itself, however, both as to organization and method of operation, may best be understood by reference to the description of the preferred embodiment(s) which follows taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of an electronic vaporizer of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the electronic vaporizer of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a atomizer for use in an electronic vaporizer of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the atomization bowl of the atomizer for use in an electronic vaporizer of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the atomization bowl of the atomizer for use in an electronic vaporizer of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

In describing the preferred embodiment of the present invention, reference will be made herein to FIGS. 1 to 5 of the drawings in which like numerals refer to like features of the invention. Features of the invention are not necessarily shown to scale in the drawings.

The self-powered electronic vaporizer 10 of the present invention is shown fully assembled in FIG. 1. It comprises an energy generation component 20 that is attached to an atomizer component 30. The overall shape of the electronic vaporizer is preferably cylindrical although a wide array of shapes are possible, i.e., box-like, pipe style, etc. Preferably, if the electronic vaporizer is used as an electronic cigarette, it is similar in shape and size to a standard tobacco cigarette.

Energy generation component 20 is a hollow cylindrical housing 25 open to air flow there through having a first end 35 and a second end 40. The housing 25 may be made of surgical grade extruded composite tubing. Within the housing 25 is a turbine and generator mechanism for powering the electronic vaporizer 10. The turbine mechanism may comprise one or more generators. FIG. 1 shows an embodiment having a first generator 45 and may include at least a second generator 50. Generator mount 52 holds the generators in place within housing 25. The number of generators is determined by the amount of wattage needed to power the electronic vaporizer of the present invention. The electronic vaporizer 10 is entirely self charged without the need for an exterior power source. The generator(s) 45 and/or 50 are powered by a series of one or more fans 55. In order to produce a preferred wattage of about S to about 25 Watts, the energy generation component 20 may be about 1.25 cm to about 7.5 cm in length with a diameter of about 8.50 mm to about 30.00 mm to allow for sufficient space for the energy generation component parts.

While three fans are shown in FIG. Ito power the one or more generators, the present invention is not limited to this particular configuration. One of ordinary skill in the art is capable of selecting the number of fans required to power the one or more generators to provide the desired wattage. Each fan SS within the energy generation component 20 has a plurality of vanes connected to a central pinion 60 connected to the generator 50, which spins when the fans are activated by the force of air moving through the electronic vaporizer 10 from a user's inhalation or exhalation. The design of the fan(s) SS preferably provides a desired rotational speed in revolutions per minute (RPM) that translates the rotational energy of the fan vanes via the pinion 60 to the one or more generators to power the electronic vaporizer 10. In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 2, the fan may be a singular fan comprising a helical impeller 56 having a central spinning pinion 60A to translate the rotational energy to the generator 45A. The length of the impeller is selected to provide the desired RPM to power the one or more generators within housing 25A.

The energy generation component 20 may further include other electrical parts not shown in the drawings, but are nonetheless contemplated as part of the present invention. One or more diodes maybe incorporated into the circuitry to regulate the current such that a direct current is applied to generator(s). An initial load capacitor may be added to store sufficient electrical energy to initially power the heating element to vaporize the liquid stored within the sealed chamber. As the user continues to inhale and exhale, the force of the air drawn through the electronic vaporizer continues to activate the fans to generate additional power. A timed cut-off relay may also be incorporated therein to deactivate the heating means and prevent overheating of the device. Other components of the electronic vaporizer of the present invention may also include therein an intake diffusion cap ISO situated at the first end 35 of the energy generation component 20. As part of or in addition to the diffusion cap, a filter may be provided to filter out any particulates in the air.

The atomizer 30 is connected to the energy generation component 20 via a connecting means 65. Connecting means 65 has channels 70 providing air pathways between the mouthpiece 31 through to the first end 35 of energy generation component 20 and out to the open air. FIG. 3 shows an embodiment wherein a twist lock mechanism is used to secure atomizer 30 to the energy generation component 20. The connecting means 65 is not limited to the twist lock mechanism. Thus, any connecting means, such as, but not limited to, a threaded connecting means, may be used to connect the atomizer 30 to the energy generation component 20.

The atomizer 30, shown in more explicit detail in FIG. 3, comprises a tubular housing 75 with a mouthpiece 31 distal from the connecting means 65. Preferably, the tubular housing 75 may be made of a surgical grade polymeric material such as polypropylene, polystyrene or other suitable material. An atomization bowl 80 is provided within the atomizer 30 having a tubular portion 83 coaxial with the tubular housing 75, which extends towards the mouthpiece 31 and is open to the air. As the tubular portion 83 extends towards the mouthpiece 31, the upper wall 85 distal from the atomization bowl 80 may be angled as shown in FIG. 3 to provide maximum airflow to and from the mouthpiece 31 to the atomization bowl 80. While any configuration should maximize air flow through the device, one preferred embodiment angles the upper wall 85 to maximize the airflow through the tubular portion 83 with a plurality of channels 87 that may extend into the mouthpiece 31. The exterior wall of tubular portion 83 and the interior wail of the tubular housing 75 define a sealed chamber 90 that is concentric with the tubular housing 75. The sealed chamber 90 is used to hold and contain a substance to be vaporized without the need for a batting type material to hold the substance, typically a liquid, within the atomizer. Such substances, preferably in a liquid form, may contain a variety of ingredients to satisfy a user's needs. Ingredients may be medicaments, nutritional supplements or extracts, and the like. As non-limiting examples, the electronic vaporizer of the present invention can be used to deliver vapors comprising nicotine, cannabis extracts, inhalable medications such as albuterol, or flavored solutions, all with varying levels of concentration.

The atomizer 30 may be a single use atomizer wherein once the substance to be vaporized is depleted, the user disposes of the atomizer and attaches a new, filled atomizer to the energy generation component 20. Alternatively, the sealed chamber 90 may also have a port or opening for which the concentric chamber can be refilled to provide a multi-use atomizer. Refills may be injected into the sealed chamber 90 via a syringe or simply dripped into the sealed chamber 90 through the port by hand.

Filter 73 is situated above the atomization bowl 80 adjacent the connecting means 65. When air travels into the electronic vaporizer 10 of the present invention, it flows through the energy generation component 20 into the channels 70 to enter the atomizer 30. Filter 73 removes any particulates in the air that may affect the taste and/or quality of the vaporized liquid. Filter 73 may be a paper filter or a HEPA filter of sufficient porosity such that there is an imperceptible pressure drop to a user during inhalation through the electronic vaporizer.

Atomization bowl 80 has one or more apertures open to the sealed chamber 90. In FIG. 4, atomization bowl 80 is shown with a first aperture 95 and a second aperture 95 a that are open to the sealed chamber 90, and, preferably, a central vapor flow hole 100 open to the air through the mouthpiece 31. The apertures 95 and 95 a have a diameter of sufficient size to prevent the substance to be vaporized to leak out of the sealed chamber 90 by capillary action. One or more wicking cords 110 are threaded through the apertures 95 and 95 a and extend into the sealed chamber 90, as shown in FIG. 5, such that the one or more wicking cords are in fluid communication with the substance to be vaporized contained within the sealed chamber 90.

The wicking cords may vary depending upon the substance to be vaporized. Strands of materials useful for wicking cords may be selected from, but are not limited to, silica, cotton, porous ceramic, hemp, bamboo, oxidized stainless steel mesh, and wire rope cables can be used to make the wicking cords used in the atomization bowl 80. The strands making up the wicking cord 110 may have multiple lengths to ensure wicking action at varying amounts of the substance to be vaporized available in the sealed chamber 90 or when the electronic vaporizer 10 is held. at various angles by the user. Preferably, the wicking material comprises silica. However, any material may be useful as a wicking cord such that when the substance to be vaporized is wicked into the atomization bowl 80 and heated to its vaporization temperature by heat, the wicking material is not flammable or easily degraded from the heating means. A poor material choice for the wicking cord may produce an off taste or odor to the user, or create undesirable by-products that can be inhaled by the user.

A heating means is in sufficient contact with the wicking material to vaporize the substance to be vaporized contained within the sealed chamber 90. Such heating means is shown as a coil 120 in FIG. 5, wrapped around the wicking cord 110. However, other heating means such as an electrically conductive tape or mesh can be used. The heating means is in electrical communication with the energy generation component 20 and powered by the one or more generators 45 and/or 50. The generators are connected to the heating means via properly sized electrical wire whose gauge is determined in accordance with the associated current generated. This wiring means may also be supplemented by multiplexed ribbon wiring to incorporate wireless technology into the device for exchanging data over short distances (using short-wavelength radio waves in the ISM band from 2.4 to 2.485 GHz[2]) from fixed and mobile device to building personal area networks (PANs) such as Bluetooth or similar wireless connectivity. When the energy generation component 20 and the atomizer 30 are connected together, both components are in electrical contact with each other. The electrical resistance of the heating means and the voltage output of the energy generation component 20 play a role in the perceived quality of the vapor that is produced by the atomizer 30. Preferably, the resistance of the heating means is about 0.5 to 2.5 n, and most preferably about 1.1 to 2.2 n.

When a user inhales into the electronic vaporizer 10 of the present invention, the force induced by the user's inhalation drives the air flow through the atomizer 30 from the mouthpiece 31 into the energy generation component 20 across the fans 55 within the energy generation component 20. The fans 55 spin at high rotational speeds and this mechanical energy is transferred via the spinning shaft pinion 60 into the generator(s) 45 and/or 50 to produce a sufficient direct current to power the heating means 120. A liquid wicked from the sealed chamber 90 into the atomization bowl 80 is heated to its gas phase temperature by the heating means 120. The vapor, concentrated within the atomization bowl 80, is inhaled by the user. As liquid is wicked into the atomization bowl 80 and is depleted, the user will get Jess and less of the vapor to the point that the user will realize the atomizer has been depleted and will either exchange the atomizer with a new one or refill the atomizer with additional liquid. The electronic vaporizer of the present invention is entirely self-powered and does not need to rely on any external power sources or batteries.

While the present invention has been particularly described, in conjunction with a specific preferred embodiment, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. It is therefore contemplated that the appended claims will embrace any such alternatives, modifications and variations as falling. within the true scope and spirit of the present invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A self-powered electronic vaporizer comprising an energy generation component having a first end open to air flow there through; a atomizer component comprising an elongated hollow body having a mouthpiece at a first end and a coupling means for said energy generation component at a second end; a sealed chamber with in said atomizer component for storing a liquid to be vaporized; an atomization bowl within said atomizer component having one or more openings in fluid communication with said sealed chamber, said atomization bowl having a portion thereof open to the mouthpiece of said atomizer component; a wicking material threaded through the one or more openings of said atomization bowl wherein the wicking material is in contact with the liquid to be vaporized within said sealed chamber; and a heating means contained within the atomization bowl, said heating means in electrical communication with said energy generation component to provide sufficient voltage to said heating means to vaporize the liquid wicked from said sealed chamber, wherein a user inhales through the mouthpiece of said atomizer component to initiate said energy generation component thereby activating said heating means to vaporize the liquid wicked from said sealed chamber creating a vapor in said atomization bowl such that the user may inhale such vapor.
 2. The electronic vaporizer of claim 1 wherein said energy generation component further comprises a turbine comprising a single fan.
 3. The electronic vaporizer of claim 2 wherein said energy generation component further comprises a turbine comprising a helical impeller fan.
 4. The electronic vaporizer of claim 1 wherein said energy generation component further comprises a turbine comprising a series of two or more fans.
 5. The electronic vaporizer of claim 1 wherein said energy generation component further comprises three fans.
 6. The electronic vaporizer of claim 1 wherein the liquid to be vaporized comprises a medicament.
 7. The electronic vaporizer of claim 1 wherein the liquid to be vaporized comprises nicotine.
 8. The electronic vaporizer of claim 1 wherein the liquid to be vaporized comprises cannabis.
 9. The electronic vaporizer of claim 1 wherein said atomization bowl has two or more holes in fluid communication with said sealed chamber.
 10. The electronic vaporizer of claim 1 wherein said wicking material comprises a corded material.
 11. The electronic vaporizer of claim 10 wherein said wicking material comprises a multi-length corded material.
 12. The electronic vaporizer of claim 1 wherein said heating means comprises a metal coil wrapped around said wicking material within said atomization bowl, said metal coil in electrical communication with said energy generation component
 13. The electronic vaporizer of claim 1 wherein said heating means comprises a metal tape wrapped around said wicking material within said atomization bowl, said metal tape in electrical communication with said energy generation component.
 14. The electronic vaporizer of claim 1 further including an air intake diffusion cap situated at the first end of said energy generation component.
 15. A self-powered electronic cigarette comprising an energy generation component comprising a turbine and generator; an atomizer component comprising an elongated hollow body having a mouthpiece at a first end and a coupling means for said energy generation component at a second end wherein air can flow from said mouthpiece through said energy generation component; a sealed chamber within said atomizer component for storing a nicotine solution; an atomization bowl within said atomizer component having two or more openings in fluid communication with sealed chamber, said atomization bowl having a portion thereof open to the mouthpiece of said atomizer component; a wicking material threaded through the two or more openings of said atomization bowl wherein the wicking material is in contact with the nicotine solution; and a heating element powered by the generator in said energy generation component to vaporize the nicotine solution wicked into the atomization bowl, wherein a user inhales or exhales through the mouthpiece of said atomizer component to initiate the generator activating said heating means to vaporize the nicotine solution wicked from said sealed chamber creating a vapor in said atomization bowl such that a user may inhale such nicotine vapors.
 16. The electronic cigarette of claim 15 wherein the turbine of said energy generation component comprises a single fan.
 17. The electronic cigarette of claim 16 wherein the turbine of said energy generation component comprises a helical impeller fan.
 18. The electronic cigarette of claim 15 wherein the turbine of said energy generation component comprises at least two fans.
 19. The electronic cigarette of claim 15 further including an air intake diffusion cap situated at the first end of said energy generation component.
 20. The electronic cigarette of claim 15 further including a filter between said atomization bowl and said energy generation component. 